Cait Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I had a phonecall from a Social Worker about a child in Preschool, the upshot of which was that the child's grandparents have applied for a residency order to keep him safe and away from his mother (bad issues, which I won't upset you with). Anyway, they have to apply for this residencey order, which they'll get, no worries, but it will cost them £50! Now, is is just me, or is that outrageous!? what price a child's safety? What if they can't afford £50 - they can't afford preschool fees and we let them have a greatly reduced rate as he's safer with us than at home. What happens to him then? Surely the safety of the child is paramount - what's the £50 for? Why do they have to pay!!! I'm absolutely furious about this and the children would say "You have steam coming out of your ears, Mrs .." I'm strongly considering paying it for them - or at least offering them it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inge Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 while it sounds unreasonable , i do wonder if this is to do with the grandparents applying for the residency and not social services starting it or insisting on it.. could be something to do with contribution to court costs? not sure as ll the ones we had social services did the relocating of child with grandparents , been to several case meetings where this was the outcome.. Inge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 while it sounds unreasonable , i do wonder if this is to do with the grandparents applying for the residency and not social services starting it or insisting on it.. could be something to do with contribution to court costs? I agree Inge - that may well account for the cost being incurred. If Social Services were making this order for the safety and protection for the child and expecting the grandparents to pay then I'd agree it is outrageous. However it is difficult to comment on individual cases when you don't know the circumstances. Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Cait - I am in complete agreement with you........further to that if you are having a 'whip round' I'm happy to contribute - no sorry that is being flippant about a serious issue......... I hope that this 'fee' can be waived for those in 'reduced circumstances'? Hope that things improve for this little chap - it's a harsh world for some children - very sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Cait it is outrageous, and like Sunnyday without meaning to be flippant I'd be happy to contribute too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panders Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Firmly in support Cait - just say the word and I too would like to contribute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 A small price for a child's safety and wellbeing but a lot of money to those in financial need. I, too, will contribute if you decide to go that route, Cait! Nona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 You are all so kind! It's the Social Services who seem to have instigated things, not the other way round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 If the Grandparents have financial hardship and are on benefits there could be help available. This might hep you find out http://www.frg.org.uk/diy_chapter_1.html#q2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 That's just awful! What happens if the Grandparents can't pay?! It's emotional blackmail!!!!! Count me in on the contributions too - don't you just wonder sometimes what kind of a world we live in.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 What a useful link Jacquie - one to bookmark should the need ever arise! Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 If the Grandparents have financial hardship and are on benefits there could be help available. This might hep you find out http://www.frg.org.uk/diy_chapter_1.html#q2 Golly that looks daunting, doesn't it! Thanks though JacquieL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I think you might also fine this useful http://www.grandparents-association.org.uk.../factsheet4.pdf My experience of the benefits system and the SS is that no-one gives out the information, you have to find out these things for yourself and ask, ask ask! Dreadful but that's how it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gezabel Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 (edited) It's all a bit of a technical process. If social services have issued care proceedings in the local court the grandparents may become a party to the social services application in which case there could be no fee involved. However, for the local authority to issue care proceedings it incurs a cost of around £600 -hence they intend to avoid it where possible - it is a long, involved (and expensive) set of legal proceedings and many other parties can be involved. It may be that social services have not got sufficient grounds to issue proceedings but at the same time are supporting the grandparents decision to apply for a residence order. Grandparents can apply to the court themselves for the residence order and may well be entitled to legal aid in which case they will either be exempt from the fee or it will be paid by the legal aid board. The standard fee for a residence order is normally £175 so not quite sure where the figure of £50 comes from unless perhaps the grandparents are applying for a consent order (the fee for which is £50) but I am not sure the court can grant consent without submission of a full formal application using forms C1 and C2. Having said all that I totally support all the comments about 'what price a child's life' and agree it's outrageous but sadly legal proceedings for whatever reason come hand in hand with cost Just editing to say that it is possible for the grandparents to ask social services to fund the application. I guess all social services departments vary on what they will/won't, can/can't do - I can't obviously go into any details of individual cases I am currently aware of ( where is the crying face when I need one!) but do know of a social services department that put a child in a place of safety amongst family as a temporary measure and due to the fianancial situation social services literally funded petrol costs to enable the child to continue attending its regular setting. Not the same situation I know but just an illustration of how help can be given with costs Edited October 7, 2009 by Geraldine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Geraldine that is really useful information, based on experience of how things can be done. It's wonderful that there is always someone on here with the knowledge to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 What a great bunch you all are! I can now give Nana lots of info in the morning! Thank you - give yourself a hug from the little man! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Perhaps you could give him an extra hug from us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 and give Nana a hug, too - isn't he lucky to have her! Nona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Hi, Just wanted to add my hug to everyone elses and also to send you a hug at what must be a difficult and challenging time for you. Take care of yourself as well and I ams ure you willb e doing your best to support the child and his grandparents. They are very lucky to have such a caring adult to support them. Nicky Sussex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.